INTRODUCTION: Okra is reported to have anti-diabetic effects, but the literature shows conflicting results. The experiment aimed to determine the efficacy of three doses of okra seed powder suspension as a glucose lowering agent on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and its cellular effects on the liver and pancreas. METHODS: Twenty-five Sprague Dawley rats that were given streptozotocin 60 mg/kg intraperitoneally were randomly allocated to one of five treatment groups: okra seed powder at 100 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg, acarbose (positive control) and vehicle only (negative control). The treatments were given as a 1.5 mL oral gavage daily for 21 days. Significant differences in blood glucose were determined between treatment groups in terms of relative change from baseline, using One-Way ANOVA with Dunnett’s method with acarbose as the referent group. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze the blood glucose levels across the time point collections (baseline, T1 and T2). Histopathologic changes on the liver and pancreas were described using counts and proportions. RESULTS: Mean blood glucose values increased from baseline to T2 in all treatment groups. Increasing trend was observed only up to T1 in the 150 mg/kg and the 200 mg/kg okra seed treatment groups. Comparing okra treatment groups to acarbose, the percentage increase of mean blood glucose from baseline to T2 was lowest in the 200 mg/kg okra group (p = 0.040). The okra-treated rats had no fatty change and a dose-dependent decrease in cellular degeneration in the liver and none for the 200 mg/ kg treatment group. CONCLUSION The 200 mg/kg okra suspension has a potential lowering effect on blood glucose and a hepatoprotective effect. A longer period of observation with higher doses of okra suspension is recommended to study these effects further.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Many patients have received acupuncture treatment to address various health problems and it has been presented in several studies to be effective. However, stories of patients on the use of acupuncture may present some additional information including contextual factors about acupuncture treatment. This study was conducted to explore experiences of patients in a community-based acupuncture clinic on the impact of acupuncture as a treatment modality. In particular, this study aimed to understand how acupuncture has changed patients’ lives through a life stories approach, describe how the treatment affected their perceptions about their well-being, and to elicit their views of the acupuncture as an alternative or complementary treatment.

METHODS

A narrative inquiry was done using in-depth interviews individually conducted among eight participants, who were selected purposively based on having had at least 12 consecutive acupuncture sessions at a communitybased acupuncture clinic. All the interviews were audio-recorded and later transcribed by a professional external interviewer following written informed consent from all the participants. The research protocol was submitted and approved by the Ethics Review Committee of the University Research Institute for Health Sciences. The researchers analyzed the interview transcripts using Murray’s narrative analysis approach.

RESULTS

Participants’ stories highlighted their personal experiences of how they had come to know about acupuncture, how their experiences have changed their perceptions of the treatment, and how the outcomes of acupuncture treatment have affected their lives. The findings emphasize four narratives: pain relief, acupuncture being complementary to Western medicine, social support, and advocacy.

CONCLUSION

This study emphasizes qualitative findings that are essential to be considered in the implementation of community-based acupuncture clinics that may help make acupuncture care accessible to community residents as well as maximize the potential of this treatment modality.

Human ; Infant: 1-23 Months ; Acupuncture Treatment ; Acupuncture Therapy

BACKGROUND: Microplastics pose a significant environmental and health threat, yet the understanding and response of young adults to this issue remain underexplored. There is an increasing amount of microplastics in our environment and as the numbers grow, the danger that comes with it is still not fully understood. This study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of young adults in Muntinlupa, particularly students of a public university regarding microplastics and their health implications. METHODS: Employing a quantitative cross-sectional design, the research targeted college students aged 18 and older. RESULTS: Findings revealed that while students were knowledgeable about microplastics—particularly their harmful effects on health—attitudes and practices related to plastic disposal and recycling could be improved. Although the majority engaged in proper garbage disposal, only 41.5% consistently separated plastic waste from biodegradable materials. However, a weak positive correlation between knowledge and attitudes was observed, suggesting that increased awareness may enhance positive attitudes toward reducing microplastic pollution. CONCLUSION These results suggest that while students are aware of microplastics and generally responded positively, there remains a gap in the translation of knowledge into practices, highlighting the need for enhanced educational interventions.
Microplastics ; knowledge ; attitudes ; young adult